Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, has launched and reviewed key marine technology initiatives at the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI) in Port Blair. The initiatives aim to bolster the Blue Economy and improve livelihoods in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Addressing scientists, officials, and stakeholders, Dr Singh emphasized that India’s future economic growth will increasingly rely on untapped marine resources. He stated, “India’s future economic value addition will increasingly come from untapped marine resources, as the country moves towards becoming one of the world’s leading economies.” This focus aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development, ensuring that island territories and coastal regions are integral to national growth.
The event, held at ACOSTI—a unit of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences—was attended by Andaman & Nicobar MP Bishnu Pada Ray, Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, senior officials, scientists, and representatives of local departments and Self-Help Groups.
Dr Singh highlighted the significance of the Deep Ocean Mission, announced twice by Prime Minister Modi from the Red Fort. He noted, “The Blue Economy will play a decisive role in employment generation, exports, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, especially as conventional resources face depletion.” The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the progress of pilot-scale open sea cage fish farming and large-scale seaweed cultivation, emphasizing their potential for immediate application and economic benefit.
The unique marine biodiversity and coastal conditions of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands make them ideally suited for such initiatives. Dr Singh underscored the integration of ocean sciences with biotechnology, pointing to India’s BioE3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment). He explained that marine bio-resources could offer biodegradable alternatives to plastics, new medicinal compounds, and high-value bio-products, while generating employment and protecting the environment.
Highlighting emerging opportunities such as non-animal food products, alternative marine-based nutrition, waste-to-wealth technologies, and export-oriented marine produce, Dr Singh noted that global demand, particularly in Europe, is expanding rapidly. He stressed the importance of greater participation from women and Self-Help Groups to strengthen household incomes and advance the “Vocal for Local” and “Local for Global” vision.
The renewed domestic push for the Blue Economy also aligns with India’s broader maritime outreach, including recent engagements with Iran aimed at enhancing sea-linked economic cooperation, connectivity, and port-led development. Officials noted that such maritime collaboration complements India’s long-term Blue Economy strategy by strengthening regional ocean-based economic networks.
Dr Singh concluded by stating that with sustained institutional collaboration, including potential involvement of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and biotechnology research centers, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands could emerge as a major hub of India’s Blue Economy initiatives. This would deliver long-term scientific, environmental, and socio-economic benefits, positioning the islands as a key player in India’s maritime future.